Greg Hemphill:West End Actor,Comedian and Rector Of Glasgow Univesity

Greg Hemphill:Actor,Comedian and Rector of Glasgow University

I first met Greg Hemphill, new rector of the University of Glasgow and co-star (alongside his pal Ford Kiernan) of the prize winning comedy show Chewin the Fat, at the opening of The Stand Comedy Club last year. Jess and I toddled along to Woodlands and had a great night mainly because we were sitting at the next table to the Chewin the Fat crowd. As my mother would have said:'they laughed the bit out'and it was contagious. I had a brief chat with Greg, told him a wee bit about the Web site and got his email address.

A busy man, it has taken a wee while to catch up with him, however, I eventually managed to meet him briefly in Brel a couple of weeks back where he assured me that it was nice to make a wee break in his busy schedule from his hectic campaign for Rector of Glasgow University. Fresh from being heckled by the student population he still seemed to be enjoying himself - it is clear that he has a great capacity for fun and optimism. Greg expressed openly that he would love to be the winner but was happy to have been asked. He was delighted to be in the running and was highly impressed by his rivals for the position - particularly Alasdair Grey (who eventually came second). Karen Dunbar, also from Chewin the Fat was another candidate.

So here we have this outrageous comedian following in the footsteps of former Rectors: Jimmy Reid, Trade Unionist, Pat Kane, Journalist and Musician, Richard Wilson, Actor, Benjamin Disraeli and Johnny Ball (Zoe's Dad). Will he rise to the challenge - I think so and he'll probably have a great time too.

Mr Hemphill certainly seems to be at one with the world: spending lots of time working with his best buddies, Ford Kiernan and Rob Christie, the show's script editor, married to Julie Nimmo, also an actress, who appears in Chewin the Fat. A lot seems to have happened since Greg returned to Glasgow 13 years ago - he was brought up in Montreal. At just 31 he has achieved a great deal, including realizing his ambition to work in stand up comedy:

'there's nothing like it when it's going well and you are on a run - you just feel privileged to be part of it - however, the television shows are less stressful"

I was interested to find out how the show was put together - apparently this involves Greg and Ford meeting every day (office hours) for a few months to come up with the gags and comic scenarious and then refine and collate the material and decide "what's in".This is how they come up with all their hilarious characters, although they are not above listening to ideas put forward by others. This approach not only works very well but provides an opportunity for a bit of a laugh every day, which seems like a good presciption for well being - Greg exudes sparkle and enthusiasm. However, I got a wee glimpse of his organisation and discipline which have probably helped his career along - he had only an exact amount of time fitted in with me before going back to those heckling students for some last minute campaigning.

Seems strange to think that he was a Drama graduate at the University himself just eight years ago. Things are certainly going well for Greg: he has achieved his goal of becoming a comedian; works with a small team which includes friends; manages to fit in a few games of poker on a regular basis; lives in the delightful Dowanhill in Glasgow's West End; and he and Julie are expecting their first baby this year. I was delighted for him when he won the race for Rector and can only see this being another success.

'Chewin the Fat' is still alive and well and you can look forward to a new series in November - with some new characters-. I hope they hang on to some of my favourites: the Banter Boys, the Daft Painters and Ronald Villiers the actor. Some of the pathos I can't quite cope with - the lonely lady in the shop can be a bit upsetting and some of it is definitely rude! However, it is clever and imaginative and Greg and his gang have certainly brightened up the comedy scene in Scotland (and beyond - how will they understand it elsewhere?)

You can read the transcript from a recent On line interview with Greg and Ford at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/chewinfthefat/chat_transcript.shtml

Photograph by Ford Kiernan.

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Comments

Just wanted to say my husband and l first saw Still Game in Santa Ponsa Majorca in a Scottish bar and have since bought the entire series. We watch it over and over and still find something we have missed. Is there any possibility of a new series

sharon finlay | Thu Feb 05 2009

Hi Greg, Every Friday evening for the past two years, my brother in law & his family meet with us, 11, persons in total to enjoy a few drings & watch repeats of still game. We would (Adults only) dearly love to meet with you & Ford briefly at some time. Do you think this would be possible? We have many friends in Glasgow...Just name the place. Regards from all in Monaghan, Ireland.

Joe Beggan | Tue Dec 16 2008

Hi! Just wondering if you could help me out with becoming a West End actor. It has been my dream since I was 7 and I want to show people that I'm not a waste of space. Just email back to the address... Take Care Shaun :)

shaun | Thu Oct 16 2008

i was wondering if you could help me i am great fan of still game and when your down it cheers you up,great show iwas looking for the still game special when you were stuck in the lift and starting go back to your younger days as i tried to get it as i got all the rest of the series.

jack robb | Sun May 11 2008

hello can you please help me become an actor i live in musselburgh.

bradley stevenson | Sat Feb 09 2008

u guys are so good there is no one i dont no that dosent like u xx

amy | Fri Aug 03 2007

Hi there Greg! Im a big fan of yours! Just wanted to ask when there is going to be a new series of still game on? Will it be on here in wales! Been a fan every since my pal in Edinburgh sent me a tape down! The best comedy ive every seen! Ive got every episode on dvd now! Cant wait for another series!!xx

lisa | Mon Apr 02 2007

Though I would say, that I find it disturbing that you--Greg Hemphill in Scotland has the same name as me(Greg Hemphill in America). Anyway, all the best

Greg Hemphill | Mon Jan 15 2007

I thought I saw Greg in Dundee On Friday 1st September(in McDonalds?) was it him or just a lookalike? I love still game but was too embarrassed to go and talk to him, its really bugging me as I dont know if it was him or not, please help?

Lisa | Sat Sep 02 2006

I love Greg!! I actually though he was an old person in Still Game and then realised who he was and then realised I had seen him in other stuff...but thats how ace the make up is!!! Anyway hes ace and i love him!!!! Laurenxxxx

Lauren | Wed Jul 05 2006

Hi Greg, we enjoy the programme. Are you any relation to Frances Hemphill? I worked in Glasgow Corporation Public Libraries with her, nearly forty years ago. She may have had a brother working there as well.

sheila Nicholas | Mon Jun 26 2006

hi greg, we are a small chauffeur company just starting in business, but we have the fastest four door saloon car in the world on offer where can i email you to see if there is any interest in this vehicle

john henderson | Wed May 17 2006

hi got an idea for a sketch on the smoking ban/clean air

frank | Tue Mar 14 2006

Hello Greg, You Dont know me but i have written a sketch for your neds in chewin the fat. I did try to send it to the bbc but i had no joy.If you would like to see it please drop me an email and i will send it on. Cheers George McCready Knightswood Glasgow

George McCready | Sun Nov 13 2005

Hey Greg, long time buddy of yours that lives in Montreal. All the boys would like to hear from you again. I had your e-mail address from the last time you contacted me but it is no longer available. Drop me a line.

Pierre Wight | Wed Oct 26 2005

I Enjoy watching still game

Graeme Hobson | Wed Jun 15 2005

Greg Would you be interested in using your profile to raise ours? We are a charity helping excluded individuals back into the workplace. Our client group can relate to The Chewin the Fat Characters-some of them might be source of new material for you! Please let me know how we go about contacting your agent/you directly.

Liz Meenagh | Mon Apr 11 2005

hi there greg,can you tell me where you film still game,all the places,got all your dvd's, can't wait for your new stuff cummin out, you put a big smile on ma face when i see ur show pure minted take care fae sheena xxx

sheena | Thu Apr 07 2005

lucy :samantha! gonnae no dae that again! sam: dae wit?! lucy: post!!! sam:how no? lucy: JUST GONNAE NO!!!!!

Lucy and samantha | Wed Jun 09 2004

We think Greg is totally stunnin'and wish we were 'Miss Hoolie'(lol) since she is married to him lucky thing. although however he is the only nice one in chewin' the fat and still game lucy fancies paul riley. we would like to meet them. can ya make our dream come true pwwwweeeeaaaseeeeee. go on ya know ya want tae!

Lucy and samantha | Wed Jun 09 2004

You are doing alot of good work. Was a little upset with your name, as it is mine, too; but, I take great pleasure reading about your creativity, talent and just plain hardwork. very good, all the encouragement in the world for you.

Greg Hemphill | Sat Jun 05 2004

Hello Greg. Andy here. fae the Clansman (The Gimlet bar ruchil st glasgow). wit dae yi think about the pub getting demolished,,, Remember the bullet hole (shoot here for free) ha ha ha & Big karen mckay did here 35 times. well it was a pleasure watching you boys filming at the gimlet the time you were there.. well all the best for the future with still game. (as you lot are always game) From Andy & Brian & everyone from the Gimlet.

Andy roy | Sun May 09 2004

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